Spanning the Globe

A Day of Rest…

Well, not exactly.  Like rural America did 30 years ago, South Africa rolls up the carpet mid-afternoon on Saturday and re-opens Monday morning.  Sunday here is a day of rest, and our group needed a break from what amounts to "information overload."  David, Robyn, and Eric took advantage of this opportunity to sit back and enjoy the beautiful Drakensberg Mountain scenery from the comfort of the Nest Hotel.

Big adventurers that we are, Mary Ann and I used our time to go for a hike.  We took a well-worn, 7-mile trail about 2,300 feet further up into the Drakensberg.  Luckily, we met a very nice couple from Johannesburg who guided us along the path and told us much about the geography, flora, and fauna along the way.  We saw three baboons, a dung beetle, and jagged mountain scenery reminiscent of the Northern Rockies.  Someone told us the Drakensberg usually sees an afternoon thunderstorm each day.  We found out the hard way, about halfway through our 6-hour hike and 3 miles or more from our van!  Thankfully, we had come prepared - our enjoyable hike was saved by raincoats and waterproof boots.

Hiking amongst such beauty allowed me some quiet time to think about the busy week we have spent here in South Africa.  Reflecting back on our experiences, I realize how much I have learned.  A great deal relates to our plant pathology mission, but even more deals with the world in general.  Not only have I learned how to recognize soybean rust, maize streak virus, and phaeosphaeria, I am learning how much I didn’t know about life beyond the USA.  For the first time, I have seen REAL poverty.  For the first time, I am beginning to understand agriculture on a global level, and how CBOT corn prices might not only affect a Virginia farmer, but also how those same prices may affect economically-challenged people living in developing countries.  We live in a large and complex world, and it is always good to gain perspective on how it works.  For me, this was a Sunday well spent…

1. We enjoyed reading your vivid description of this Sunday experience. Thanks for sharing your broader impressions of South Africa.
   Posted by  on  03/12  at  08:28 PM
2. Wow! South Africa looks spectacular. I spent my a year in Italy for my BS, but this looks like a great time.
   Posted by Closet Organizers Guy  on  03/31  at  10:38 PM
3. Hi there We are interested to use one of your Drakensberg Scenery pics on your webite. (got it through google). Just want to know if can get permission from you to do it. It is for a Gr 11 Tourism Educational Learners' Guide which I am project managing for Heinemann Educatinoal Publishers. Would appreciate your permission. Kind regards Hendali Steynberg South Africa 011 4761527)
   Posted by  on  08/12  at  04:03 AM
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